It's never too late to go back to school! I took two graduate courses this summer, even though I have been an educator for over 20 years. Learning and teaching are inseparable practices. Plus, we all must stay current to thrive.

I became a librarian for the love of books and reading but there is little time for sitting quietly at the desk and reviewing new acquisitions these days. Librarianship sure has changed since I first learned manual cataloging using the Dewey Decimal System. Some change is for the better. No one gets shushed and we can practice yoga between reading to stretch our bodies and minds. 

At the start of the school year we had district faculty meeting led by a yogi, business owner and Speaker, Regina Smith. “Take a breath; begin again," was her refrain. It resonated with us because we had learned to breathe while teaching through Covid. She was a stellar speaker. My work with teachers using yoga and mindfulness practices had been reinforced and validated with additional scientific evidence and an outside presenter. If this works for the business world, it can at work just as well with children and teachers. And wow, do we all need it no matter how old or enlightened we are.

My last social media post before school started was about how important it is to take a deep breath, and how it is something that even the most advanced yoga practitioners among us forget. Life is a practice. Teaching and learning are practices informing each other just as we inform each other. 

May you stay calm, creative, and compassionate September through June. Happy School year, 2023-2024.

WRITING YOGA® PROMPT #2018: Write a Poem about One First Day of School in the Past or Present. 

Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Say to yourself, "It's the first day of school." What are your first thoughts? What year came to mind? What are you wearing? What's in your lunchbox? How do you feel? What images float inside your head? 

Without judging, write about all of the emotions, images and maybe even anxiety that comes with the start of anything new.  

And if you're wondering how to handle the stress that comes with the start of school, continue reading!

How to Handle the Stress of the New School Year with the Writing Yoga® Method

The start of a new school year is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. With lesson plans to finalize, classrooms to organize, and the never-ending to-do lists, stress can sneak up on even the most experienced educators and parents. How do you handle it all without burning out?

The answer lies in a simple yet transformative approach: Sit, Write, Move.

Sit: Take a Breath, Begin Again

Before diving headfirst into the chaos of the school year, allow yourself to pause. This isn’t a moment of weakness or procrastination, it’s an intentional act of self-care that creates space for clarity and calm. Often, we’re so focused on the next task that we forget the power of simply sitting still and reconnecting with ourselves.

Start by finding a quiet spot, even if it’s just your car before walking into the building or a bench outside the school. Let this space be your sanctuary. Close your eyes and take three deep, slow breaths. With each inhale, imagine you’re drawing in calm, and with each exhale, release the tension that has built up in your body. Make your exhales slightly longer than your inhales to activate your body’s natural relaxation response.

Sitting doesn’t mean inactivity; it’s a purposeful pause to reset and recharge. When you allow yourself this moment of stillness, you’re not wasting time, you’re preparing yourself to handle what comes next with grace and intention. This mindful pause gives your brain and body the chance to recalibrate, creating the foundation for a more focused, composed, and resilient approach to your day.

Write: Clear Your Mind

After giving yourself the gift of stillness, take a moment to write. Writing isn’t just for recording to-do lists or keeping track of responsibilities. It’s a powerful tool for self-reflection, stress relief, and mental clarity. When life feels overwhelming, writing helps untangle the mess of thoughts in your mind, providing a pathway to focus and calm.

Start with whatever feels natural. Grab a notebook, journal, or even a scrap of paper. The act of writing doesn’t need to be perfect or polished; it’s about releasing what’s weighing you down.

If you’re not sure where to start, use a prompt to spark reflection. A simple question like, “What is one thing I can let go of today?” can help you identify what’s causing unnecessary stress. Maybe it’s a task you’ve been holding onto out of habit, or an expectation that no longer serves you. Writing it down is a way of releasing it, freeing up mental and emotional space.

Move: Stretch Your Stress Away

Stress doesn’t just occupy your mind. It settles into your body, manifesting as tight shoulders, a stiff neck, or an achy lower back. That’s why movement is more than a luxury. It’s a necessity, especially during busy and demanding times like the start of a new school year. Incorporating simple, intentional movement into your day can help you release built-up tension, boost your energy, and create a sense of calm in both body and mind.

The beauty of movement is that it doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming to be effective. Start with small stretches you can do right at your desk. For instance, try a seated twist: Sit up tall in your chair, place one hand on the opposite knee, and gently twist your torso, holding for a few breaths. This simple motion helps release tension in your back and shoulders, areas that often bear the brunt of stress.

Another quick yet powerful stretch is standing up and reaching your arms overhead. As you extend your arms toward the sky, take a deep breath in and feel the lengthening through your spine. Exhale slowly as you bring your arms down, grounding yourself. This movement not only stretches tight muscles but also reconnects you with your breath, a natural stress reliever.

If you have a few extra minutes, take a short walk. Whether it’s a lap around your school building, a stroll through a nearby park, or a quick venture into your neighborhood, walking allows you to reset both physically and mentally. As you walk, tune into your surroundings. The rustle of leaves, the warmth of sunlight, or even the sounds of distant chatter. This mindful awareness transforms a simple walk into a grounding practice, pulling you out of your head and into the present moment.

Are you a parent, teacher or librarian who wants to test out Writing Yoga®? I’d like to invite you to my next free Monthly Workshop.

Remember to sit, write & move each day for a calm, creative & more compassionate life. If you want to immerse yourself in all the benefits of Writing Yoga® Method, please check out my course right here. This interactive course will help you jumpstart healthy and creative practices to: 1) Reduce stress 2) Write and 3) feel luminous.

For more activities and resources, please go to www.WritingYoga.com 

Thank you for making the world a calmer, more creative and compassionate place! 

Copyright © 2024 Stefanie Maura, All rights reserved.